Washington, D.C. — Wilderness Society experts gathered today in Washington to help set the stage for efforts to defend America’s public lands. With the 112th Congress swinging into session, the State of the Union address approaching, and new guidance coming from the Department of Interior, public lands will be a growing part of the dialogue on Capitol Hill and across the country.

The House Natural Resources Committee held their first oversight hearing on the Wild Lands policy that was issued in late 2010. I flew out from my home in Boise, Idaho to see the hearing first hand and to try and restore some balance to the conversation.

Unique and previously unprotected places like New Mexico’s Otero Mesa grasslands, Wyoming’s Adobe Town badlands and Utah’s red rock canyons have a new chance at receiving protections they need and deserve.